TITLE 22 > CHAPTER 73 > Â§ 6402

The term â€œparticularly severe violations of religious freedomâ€ means systematic, ongoing, egregious violations of religious freedom, including violations such asâ€”

(A) torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment;

(B) prolonged detention without charges;

(C) causing the disappearance of persons by the abduction or clandestine detention of those persons; or

(D) other flagrant denial of the right to life, liberty, or the security of persons.

(13) Violations of religious freedom

The term â€œviolations of religious freedomâ€ means violations of the internationally recognized right to freedom of religion and religious belief and practice, as set forth in the international instruments referred to in section 6401-a-2 of this title and as described in section 6401-a-3 of this title, including violations such asâ€”

(A)arbitrary prohibitions on, restrictions of, or punishment forâ€”

(i) assembling for peaceful religious activities such as worship, preaching, and prayer, including arbitrary registration requirements;

(ii) speaking freely about oneâ€™s religious beliefs;

(iii) changing oneâ€™s religious beliefs and affiliation;

(iv) possession and distribution of religious literature, including Bibles; or

(v) raising oneâ€™s children in the religious teachings and practices of oneâ€™s choice; or